Media: Hungary has turned a new page

Peter Márton, a pro-European conservative, has emerged victorious in the legislative election, ending Viktor Orbán’s 16-year tenure as Prime Minister. Orbán himself acknowledged his defeat.

According to data from the election commission, after counting 66.69% of votes, Peter Márton’s Tisza Party has secured 137 out of 199 seats in Hungary’s parliament—gaining an absolute two-thirds majority, which grants them full autonomy in advancing constitutional reforms.

Orbán’s defeat has clearly cheered the European Union. His critics have labeled him a representative of “illiberal democracy,” noting his close ties with Putin and his frequent attempts to block EU decisions on sanctions against Russia. At the same time, he was favored by U.S. President Donald Trump. Just days before the vote, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance visited Budapest to show support—but his endorsement ultimately proved ineffective.

Vance arrived in Budapest shortly before voting began, praising Orbán, Trump’s “ally,” as a “defender of Western civilization.” He condemned EU interference in Hungary’s election, declaring, “I have never seen or read about such malign foreign meddling.” He criticized “Brussels bureaucrats” for attempting to undermine Hungary’s economy, weaken its energy independence, drive up prices, and make Hungarian consumers pay the price—all because they hate Orbán. Vance did not view his actions as overt interference.

Orbán frequently clashed with numerous European leaders on major issues such as Ukraine, even finding himself in outright conflict. Thus, his defeat has brought relief to many European leaders. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joyfully congratulated “Hungary’s choice of Europe!” She wrote on X: “Tonight, Europe’s heart is beating faster in Hungary!” She believes this vote marks “a nation returning to the path of Europe.”

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz extended “sincere congratulations” to Peter Márton. On X, he wrote: “I look forward to working with you to build a strong, secure, and especially united Europe together.”

French President Emmanuel Macron posted on X: “France celebrates the victory of democratic participation and the Hungarian people’s steadfast commitment to EU values. Let us join forces to advance a stronger, more sovereign Europe, ensuring our continent’s security, competitiveness, and democracy.” In contrast, Marine Le Pen, leader of France’s far-right National Rally, paid tribute to “the great patriot Orbán.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer congratulated Peter Márton on Sunday, saying: “This is not only a historic moment for Hungary but for European democracy as a whole. I look forward to working with you to promote peace and prosperity between our two nations.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, currently visiting Beijing, also celebrated the “victory of European values” on Sunday. He said: “Congratulations to all Hungarian citizens on this historic electoral victory—a triumph for Europe and European values. I hope to collaborate with Márton to create a better future for all Europeans.”

On Sunday, Hungarian voters turned out in large numbers. Polling agencies predicted turnout would reach a record high since the fall of Eastern Bloc regimes in 1989. According to election authorities, by 6:30 p.m.—half an hour before polling stations closed—the voter turnout had already reached 77.8% of registered voters, compared to 67.8% at the same time in 2022.

Orbán’s departure could significantly impact both Hungary and the EU. He has often opposed other EU leaders within the bloc. Moreover, this shift will have substantial implications for Ukraine, as Orbán recently blocked the EU’s plan to provide a €90 billion loan to Ukraine.

The EU may now unfreeze funds previously withheld from Hungary, which had been suspended due to concerns in Brussels that democratic standards deteriorated under Victor Orbán’s rule.

At the same time, Orbán’s loss represents an indirect setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has lost a key pillar within the EU. More broadly, it also constitutes an indirect blow to anti-democratic forces across Europe—and even to the White House.

Orbán’s defeat appears influenced not only by political fatigue and criticism of his governance style but also by three years of economic stagnation, rising living costs, and allegations involving wealthy businessmen closely tied to the ruling elite, accused of amassing fortunes through corrupt practices.

At 45, Peter Márton campaigned on a platform of cracking down on corruption, restoring judicial independence, and rebuilding the institutional independence eroded during Orbán’s long reign. The extent to which Márton can fulfill these promises will depend on the size of his party’s parliamentary majority.

After his victory, amid cheers from tens of thousands of supporters, Márton declared: “Tonight, we’ve done it: the Tisza Party and Hungary have won big! We’ve toppled the Orbán regime together. We’ve liberated Hungary. We’ve reclaimed our homeland.”

Source: rfi

Original: toutiao.com/article/1862309890004992/

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